Rider for the Pony Express. He carried mail on the initial run of the Pony Express, receiving the west-bound mochila on April 4, 1860. Rock Creek Station was known as a "road ranch" to early western travelers, and when the Pony Express started in 1860, it was a logical site for a home station. In the spring of 1861, James B. (Wild Bill) Hickok was assigned to the station as an assistant stock tender. The station keeper was a man named Horace Wellman. The Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company was in the process of buying Rock Creek Station from David McCanles. On July 12, 1861, McCanles, his 12 year old son, and two other men went to see Wellman in hope of collection a purchase payment. An argument ensued and Hickok pulled a gun and shot McCanles. McCanles's son, who had witnessed the shooting, was able to run and escape. The other two men who had accompanied McCanles, realizing what had happened, also tried to run. However, Hickok, Wellman, and Brink, possibly wanting to get rid of witnesses to the shooting, pursued the two men and shot them. Although, it appeared that Hickok, Wellman, and Brink were guilty of murder, they were found innocent in the trial. The only witness, McCanles's 12 year old son, was not allowed to testify. Wellman, Hickok, and Brink were transferred further west. Hickok went onto gain fame as Wild Bill Hickok and Brink later served as a scout during the Indian Wars. By 1882, Brink was married and settled in St. Joseph where he lived quietly and raised two daughters.
Rider for the Pony Express. He carried mail on the initial run of the Pony Express, receiving the west-bound mochila on April 4, 1860. Rock Creek Station was known as a "road ranch" to early western travelers, and when the Pony Express started in 1860, it was a logical site for a home station. In the spring of 1861, James B. (Wild Bill) Hickok was assigned to the station as an assistant stock tender. The station keeper was a man named Horace Wellman. The Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company was in the process of buying Rock Creek Station from David McCanles. On July 12, 1861, McCanles, his 12 year old son, and two other men went to see Wellman in hope of collection a purchase payment. An argument ensued and Hickok pulled a gun and shot McCanles. McCanles's son, who had witnessed the shooting, was able to run and escape. The other two men who had accompanied McCanles, realizing what had happened, also tried to run. However, Hickok, Wellman, and Brink, possibly wanting to get rid of witnesses to the shooting, pursued the two men and shot them. Although, it appeared that Hickok, Wellman, and Brink were guilty of murder, they were found innocent in the trial. The only witness, McCanles's 12 year old son, was not allowed to testify. Wellman, Hickok, and Brink were transferred further west. Hickok went onto gain fame as Wild Bill Hickok and Brink later served as a scout during the Indian Wars. By 1882, Brink was married and settled in St. Joseph where he lived quietly and raised two daughters.
Bio by: Bill Walker
